Beccaria Portal: Your directory and knowledge network in crime prevention and criminology in Europe and worldwide.
Daily PressTodays crime related press reports collected by Prof. Thomas Görgen, German Police University
MarketWatch (press release), 01.03.2012
What Have We Learned From Terrorist Attacks on Buses? Free Report Highlights 16 Case Studies in Israel
Insights could help deter, prevent, mitigate attacks in other countries
The Crime Report, 01.03.2012
Will Ex-Inmates Who Get Jobs Commit Fewer Crimes?
The poor national economy has thwarted the notion that most of the 700,000 people released from prison each year can find employment, but criminologists believe it's still important to track who finds work and who doesn't.
Ted Gest
Telegraph.co.uk, 01.03.2012
Forensic research in Britain 'will die' after FSS closure
Britain's world-leading forensic research base "will die" after the only public body dedicated to crime-scene science was finally closed today, according to the expert who pioneered DNA fingerprinting techniques.
Nick Collins
New York Times, 01.03.2012
Bill in Albany Would Bar Condoms as Evidence of Prostitution
When she worked the streets, Yvette Gonzales said, she frequently saw other prostitutes working without condoms. But they were not having unprotected sex at the request of their customers.
ANN FARMER
Prevention Action, 01.03.2012
Mix and match
The slow uptake of “manualized” evidence-based programs, those that come with manuals containing detailed instructions for their implementation, offers an opportunity for social work to “blaze a new trail” through the “adoption of cutting-edge clinical practices that reflect the core values of the profession.” That is the view of a team of researchers led by Richard Barth from the University of Maryland, US.
Manchester Evening News, 02.03.2012
Manchester riots: University study finds a third of looters came from the poorest districts
Nearly a third of looters punished for taking part in the Manchester and Salford riots came from areas with the highest levels of social deprivation, academics have found.
Paul Gallagher
EurekAlert Public, 02.03.2012
Violent relationships likely detrimental to good parenting
Couples who are married or living together will probably have more trouble parenting as a team if they have been violent toward one another during pregnancy, according to a team of psychologists.
Science 2.0, 02.03.2012
Why Evolutionary Psychology Pisses You Off (And Why Maybe It Shouldn't)
Michael W. Taft
Science 2.0, 02.03.2012
Why Evolutionary Psychology Pisses You Off (And Why Maybe It Shouldn't)
Michael W. Taft
Washington Post, 02.03.2012
James Q. Wilson, co-author of ‘broken windows’ policing theory, dies in Boston at age 80
BOSTON — Political scientist James Q. Wilson, whose “broken windows” theory on crime-fighting helped trigger a nationwide move toward community policing, died Friday at a Boston hospital. He was 80.
GoodTherapy.org, 02.03.2012
The Psychological Consequences of Eldercare Abuse and Financial Exploitation
WOWT - Posted, 02.03.2012
"Mean Screens" and Aggression
An Iowa State Researcher says onscreen relational aggression may prime the brain for aggression.
Prevention Action, 02.03.2012
State of the family
Thanks to studies of health, education, anti-social behaviour and well-being, it is now beyond doubt that the quality of parenting affects many aspects of children’s later lives. Good experiences in childhood prevent many problems from arising or reduce their severity if they do.
New York Times, 03.03.2012
Originated ‘Broken Windows’ Policing Strategy
James Q. Wilson, a wide-ranging social scientist whose “broken windows” theory of law enforcement laid the groundwork for crime reduction programs in New York, Los Angeles and other cities, died on Friday in Boston. He was 80.
BRUCE WEBER
Newswise — Released:, 03.03.2012
Expert Available to Talk About Prevalence of Incivility, Disruptive Behavior
Incivility in American society is on the rise and rude and disruptive behavior is increasing in colleges and universities. Boise State University’s Dr. Cindy Clark, founder of Civility Matters, can provide an overview of incivility in nursing education, discuss how and why faculty and students contribute to incivility, and describe a range of evidence-based strategies to recognize, prevent and
guardian.co.uk, 03.03.2012
Death threats, intimidation and abuse: climate change scientist Michael E. Mann counts the cost of honesty
New York Times, 04.03.2012
When Innocence Isn’t Enough
EDWARD LEE ELMORE turned 53 in January. For more than half his life, the soft-spoken African-American who doesn’t understand the concept of north, south, east and west, or of summer, fall, winter and spring, was in a South Carolina prison, most of it on death row
RAYMOND BONNER
Benzinga, 04.03.2012
Wall Street's Broken Windows
James Q. Wilson was a political scientist who often studied the government response to blue collar crime. The public knows him best for his theory called “broken windows.”
Ohio State University, 05.03.2012
School bullies more likely to be substance users, study finds
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Middle- and high-school students who bully their classmates are more likely than others to use substances such as cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana, a new study found.
EurekAlert Public, 05.03.2012
VCU study: Bad environment augments genetic risk for drug abuse
Researchers use adoption model to understand impact of genetics and environment
Newswise, 05.03.2012
Genetics, Spanking May Increase Childhood Aggression
A study co-authored by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes shows that the risk of problem behavior during childhood — particularly for boys — is greatly increased if children have genetic predispositions for these behaviors and if they are spanked by their parents
Medical Xpress, 05.03.2012
Analyzing, and preventing, school shootings
a Northeastern doctoral candidate whose dissertation focuses on examining school shootings, discusses the latest tragedy in Ohio and how similar events in the future might be thwarted.
Prevention Action, 05.03.2012
Discovering what works best in treating young people’s conditions
The statistics on the mental health of adolescents in post-industrial societies are worrying. In the US, for example, 32 per cent of 13 to 18 year olds will have an anxiety or mood disorder at some time in their lives, while eight per cent of 12 to 17 year olds experience a major depressive episode.
Wall Street Journal, 05.03.2012
When Gaming Is Good for You
Hours of Intense Play Change the Adult Brain; Better Multitasking, Decision-Making and Even Creativity
ROBERT LEE HOTZ
Huffington Post UK, 05.03.2012
The Crossbow Cannibal and the Crime That Shook Britain
Richard Chidwick
San Jose Mercury News, 05.03.2012
Nobel Laureate to speak on importance of investing in childhood education
EurekAlert Public, 05.03.2012
Younger children in the classroom likely overdiagnosed with ADHD
Immaturity may lead to diagnosis of disorder
Newswise — Released, 06.03.2012
Ethics of Assassination
Symposium at University of Richmond March 27 to Feature Former Navy Seal and Author Greitens, Plus Expert Academic Panel
University of Southampton, 06.03.2012
Address barriers to housing ex-offenders, says research
Ex-offenders face significant barriers to securing accommodation, says research by University of Southampton academics from the Third Sector Research Centre.
Dr Rosie Meek
Telegraph.co.uk, 06.03.2012
The case against DNA
Genetic profiling was once hailed as a magical tool to catch criminals. So why is it now in danger of being discredited?
William Langley
Adelaide Now, 06.03.2012
Laws of time say crime doesn't grey
SOUTH Australia's crime rates will fall by almost 20 per cent simply because more of us are getting too old to break the law
Miles Kemp
guardian.co.uk, 06.03.2012
'Clare's Law' is little help if the police don't perform their basic duty
What good will costly, bureaucratic new schemes do when the police so consistently fail victims of domestic violence?
Sandra Horley
Huffington Post, 06.03.2012
From Twilight to Chris Brown: The (Almost) Final Word on the Allure of the Bad Boy
Prevention Action, 06.03.2012
Getting the message across
Scientists have a tendency to communicate primarily with other scientists using highly technical language and through obscure channels, like scientific journals and conference papers. This excludes non-scientists, which causes problems when it is they whom scientists want to use the products of their research.
Omaha World-Herald, 06.03.2012
Omaha to study tool to cut gun violence
Omaha will spend roughly $40,000 in federal stimulus money to study the effectiveness of a high-tech city tool designed to help reduce gun violence
Omaha World-Herald, 06.03.2012
Omaha to study tool to cut gun violence
Omaha will spend roughly $40,000 in federal stimulus money to study the effectiveness of a high-tech city tool designed to help reduce gun violence
FinalCall.com News, 07.03.2012
Police shootings, beatings in NY fuel activist call for more oversight
Saeed Shabazz
PhysOrg.com, 07.03.2012
Study over 145-year period: Murder-suicides occur at home, in close relationships
Marc Ransford
University of Virginia, 07.03.2012
Conference Illuminates Intimate Partner Violence Issues Worldwide, For All Ages
Kings of War, 07.03.2012
Cyber, cyber everywhere; quite a lot to think: Is this a new Albatross in old clothing?
HealthCanal.com, 08.03.2012
Want to Limit Aggression? Practice Self-Control!
Feeling angry and annoyed with others is a daily part of life, but most people don’t act on these impulses. What keeps us from punching line-cutters or murdering conniving co-workers? Self-control.
Huffington Post, 08.03.2012
U.S. Hate And Extremist Groups Hit Record Levels, New Report Says
Brian Levin, J.D..
ScienceAlert, 08.03.2012
I want to play videogames when I grow up (and so should you)
Michael Kasumovic
ABA Journal, 08.03.2012
Vulture Study Raises Questions About Time-of-Death Estimates in Homicides
A study of vultures at a so-called “body farm” is raising questions about traditional time-of-death assumptions used in homicide cases.
Debra Cassens Weiss
Silicon Prairie News, 08.03.2012
New UNL technology provides location-based crime data to police
With a smorgasbord of apps to assist would-be diners in locating somewhere in the neighborhood to break bread, why aren't there similar applications to aid police officers in finding and deterring bad?
Michael Stacy
The Guardian, 09.03.2012
Far right hardcore 'willing to prepare for armed conflict'
Study finds 40% of BNP supporters believe armed conflict between ethnic, racial or religious groups could be justifiable
Matthew Taylor
New York Times, 09.03.2012
Telling the Truth Like Crazy
One summer day in 2009, a woman walked into the police station house of the 81st Precinct, in Brooklyn, to report that her car had been stolen. She was well into her second day of trying to file a report, having already spoken to five or more officers in two precincts and was waiting, exasperated, for a lieutenant to turn up as he had promised.
JIM DWYER
Open Democracy, 09.03.2012
Britain as a private security state: first they came for the asylum seeker ...
John Grayson
Toronto Star online, 09.03.2012
Known to police: Toronto police stop and document black and brown people far more than whites
Jim Rankin Patty Winsa
HealthCanal.com, 09.03.2012
Far right supporters - violence is largely inevitable
Far right supporters in the UK believe violent conflict between different religious, racial and ethnic groups is largely inevitable, according to a new survey on political extremism
The Local - Germany's news in English, 09.03.2012
Court: Hotels can ban neo-Nazis
Hotels who want to ban extremist guests can do so - but only if their booking has not been confirmed, the German Supreme Court (BGH) said on Friday
GlobalNews, 09.03.2012
Study finds mentally ill more likely to be arrested, harmed by police
Terri Theodore
Legal Focus, 09.03.2012
Anthony Grainger: Justifiable Homicide or Murder at the Hands of the Police?
John Lamb
Vancouver Sun, 10.03.2012
Police need better training in dealing with mentally ill: survey
Many of those polled say they are not treated with respect
Tara Carman
The Economist, 10.03.2012
Cybercrime: Doxed by Sabu
An indictment casts some interesting light on recent hacker attacks
Montreal Gazette, 10.03.2012
Fatal confrontations
For someone whose brother had been shot to death by POLICE six days earlier while in the midst of an emotional meltdown, Sébastien Nadreau was remarkably forgiving.
RENÉ BRUEMMER
The Observer, 11.03.2012
Without consent: the truth about forced marriage
When Abbas Rizvi's girlfriend phoned from Pakistan, she told him: 'I'm in trouble.' Catherine Deveney hears the harrowing stories of young women coerced and bullied into matrimony – and asks whether plans to criminalise 'forced marriage' will help
Catherine Deveney
Scotsman -, 11.03.2012
DNA trap for rhino horn raiders
A UNIQUE DNA database is being developed in Scotland to help police crack down on thefts of African rhinoceros horns from museums across Europe.
Scotsman, 11.03.2012
The perfect crime: Inside the minds of the Scottish creators of Grand Theft Auto
It’s a multi-million pound export industry, but how did ‘the most influential simulation of the US ever made’ come to be created in Scotland, asks Martyn McLaughlin
EurekAlert Public, 12.03.2012
Strengthening the bond between policy and science
Policymakers and scientists collaborate to create new science-policy research agenda
Michigan State University, 12.03.2012
Growing market for human organs exploits poor
A Michigan State University anthropologist who spent more than a year infiltrating the black market for human kidneys has published the first in-depth study describing the often horrific experiences of poor people who were victims of organ trafficking
EurekAlert Public, 12.03.2012
Medically prescribed heroin more effective, less costly than current methadone treatment
Model shows those using heroin-assisted therapy live longer and cost society less
Baylor University, 12.03.2012
Narcissism Impairs Ethical Judgment Even Among the Highly Religious, Baylor Study Finds
Although high levels of narcissism can impair ethical judgment regardless of one's religious orientation or orthodox beliefs, narcissism is more harmful in those who might be expected to be more ethical, according to a Baylor University study published online in the Journal of Business Ethics
Association for Psychological Science, 13.03.2012
Just 60 Seconds of Combat Impairs Memory
Just 60 seconds of all-out physical exertion in a threatening situation can seriously damage the memories of those involved for many details of the incident, according to a new study of police officers
Macleans.ca, 13.03.2012
Strict anti-bullying laws could actually make matters worse
The notion that bullying can be legislated away is fanciful at best
College Misericordia, 13.03.2012
'Homeland Security: Where We Are, Ten Years Later' subject of symposium
Haaretz, 13.03.2012
Medical staff partly to blame for patients' violence, Israeli study finds
Medical staff partly to blame for patients' violence, Israeli study finds
Dan Even
Highlander Newspaper, 13.03.2012
Sociologist Robert Nash Parker deems three-strikes law outdated
Cristina Granados
Prevention Action, 13.03.2012
High school employment isn’t working
Working one’s way through college has long been mythologized as part of the “American dream.” But does getting a job before that, in high school, take a greater toll on young people’s later opportunities than has generally been assumed? Researchers at the University of Michigan believe so. Indeed, their findings suggest that high-school employment is a predictor of poorer adult outcomes.
Huffington Post First, 14.03.2012
Men Respond To Stress With ‘Fight Or Flight' While Women ‘Tend And Befriend,' Say Scientists
Emma Gray
Mancunian Matters, 14.03.2012
Video games: Entertainment or an incentive for violent crime?
Alex McIntyre
Family Law Week -, 14.03.2012
Research evaluates expert witnesses and quality of court reports in the family courts
Report expresses concern about full-time 'expert' witnesses who do not maintain a clinical practice
Association for Psychological Science, 14.03.2012
Suppressing Feelings of Compassion Makes People Feel Less Moral
Prevention Action, 14.03.2012
Risk Analysis
The interaction between genetic inheritance, early experiences and subsequent life style experiences are becoming better understood. Models based on the interplay and accumulation of risk factors and their relationship to protective factors have superseded rigid determinism to explain most aspects of child development.
Cleveland Daily Banner, 14.03.2012
Crime reduction partners gauge progress
Partners in the Tennessee Targeted Community Crime Reduction (TTCCR) grant met at the Bradley County Justice Center Tuesday to discuss progress of the program and evaluate activities the grant promotes in the community.
LARRY C. BOWERS
The New Republic, 14.03.2012
The Thought Police
The Thought Police Democracy and the Human Heart From Qaddafi to Charles I: America’s Long and Intimate Association with Regicide
Paul Berman
Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, 15.03.2012
Life Without Parole for Juveniles: A Brief Look at the Issues
Tuesday the Supreme Court will take up the issue of life sentences without parole (LWOP) for juveniles convicted of murder. In 2010, the nation’s high court ruled juvenile LWOP sentences were unconstitutional in non-homicide crimes. Now, advocates are hopeful the court will extend the same protection to all juveniles, regardless of the offense.
Smithsonian, 15.03.2012
How Well Do We Really Remember A Crime Scene?
A new study shows that our ability to recall details from a crime scene are severely impaired after physical exertion. Photo courtesy Flickr user Magnus Manske
EurekAlert Public, 15.03.2012
Childhood trauma exposure is very common among alcohol-dependent inpatients
Childhood trauma experience (CTE) can include sexual, physical, and emotional abuse as well as physical or emotional neglect.
•CTE may be an environmental factor for developing psychiatric disorders such as alcohol dependence.
•A new study has found significant rates of CTE among AD inpatients.
guardian.co.uk,, 15.03.2012
The poor: always with us, necessarily not us
The poor are just people without enough money. But a 'culture of poverty' gives the affluent a reason to blame them for it
The Age, 15.03.2012
Sick suburbs
Poorly planned new housing estates on Melbourne's fringes are causing an outbreak of anxiety, diabetes and obesity among residents.
Miki Perkins
Toronto Star, 15.03.2012
Police board chair seeks race-based probe of stops
The chair of the Toronto Police Services Board is calling for an independent review of police contacts with citizens, particularly youth from different ethnic and racial backgrounds.
EurekAlert Public, 15.03.2012
Cell phone use in pregnancy may cause behavioral disorders in offspring
Exposure to radiation from cell phones during pregnancy affects the brain development of offspring, potentially leading to hyperactivity, Yale School of Medicine researchers have determined.
Prevention Action, 15.03.2012
To randomize or not to randomize?
Randomized experiments are the preferred method for assessing the effects of treatment for theoretical and practical reasons. But they are not always feasible or ethical to do, in which case it is likely that non-randomized experiments will be used. But to what extent do results of non-randomized designs match those of randomized ones?
New York Times, 16.03.2012
Like Their Human Brethren, Seeking Solace in Alcohol
They were young males on the make, and they struck out not once, not twice, but a dozen times with a group of attractive females hovering nearby. So they did what so many men do after being repeatedly rejected: They got drunk, using alcohol as a balm for unfulfilled desire.
Winnipeg Free Press, 16.03.2012
Federal government set to introduce stiffer sentences for elder abuse
Heather Scoffield
Newswise, 16.03.2012
Gambling Addictions Expert Warns of Dangers of Internet Gambling, Especially on Youth
Participating in an online March Madness bracket or fantasy sport league is harmless fun for most people, but for someone with a gambling addiction, it can be a dangerous temptation.
Chicago Tribune, 16.03.2012
When senior mortgage fraud hits home
The recent conviction of a Delray Beach, Fla., loan officer for his participation in a scheme to persuade seniors to refinance their reverse mortgages should serve as a warning to the friends and relatives of elderly people about the surprising ease with which senior homeowners can be exploited.
Lew Sichelman,
guardian.co.uk, 16.03.2012
The Dharun Ravi verdict does little for other Tyler Clementis
Is the hate crime law used to prosecute Rutgers student Dharun Ravi really the best way to tackle society's casual homophobia?
Maura Kelly
This is Nottingham, 17.03.2012
'Once people get used to stealing they will carry on'
AS the court systems continue to deal with the aftermath of last summer's public disorder, thieves are among those being handed the toughest sentences the law allows.
Washington Post, 17.03.2012
Fourteen reasons schools are troubled (and no, it’s not all about teachers)
This was written by Ronald Willett, a former university professor, researcher and administrator, and former corporate executive, entrepreneur and CEO. For the last decade, as an avocation, he has tracked and researched U.S. K-12, and advocated its legitimate reform and pursuit of innovation.
Ronald Willett
Stuff.co.nz, 17.03.2012
Gangs' threat 'distorted'
Police "vigilance" towards New Zealand gangs and Nelson's motorcycle poker run last weekend has been challenged by a Canterbury University researcher.
MICHELLE SUTTON
Washington Post, 18.03.2012
Buried amid rape kit backlog: Justice, closure for victims whose bodies once a ‘crime scene’
The Australian, 19.03.2012
It's only when crime doesn't pay that criminals will be deterred
Henry Ergas
EurekAlert Public, 19.03.2012
Young children learn about prejudice by instruction, older children by experience
Michigan State University, 19.03.2012
To combat identity theft, protect computer
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Having a triple-threat combination of protective software on your computer greatly reduces your chances of identity theft, according to a study led by a Michigan State University criminologist.
EurekAlert Public, 19.03.2012
New research about facial recognition turns common wisdom on its head
A team of researchers that includes a USC scientist has methodically demonstrated that a face's features or constituents – more than the face per se – are the key to recognizing a person.
The Crime Report, 19.03.2012
Remembering James Q. Wilson
James Q. Wilson, who died in Boston this month at the age of 80, left a legacy of wisdom—and clear and prolific scholarship—that has informed almost every area of America’s crime policy.
EurekAlert, 19.03.2012
UNH researcher: Gulf, Balkan wars add new dimensions to war trauma
Book sheds new light on post-traumatic stress disorder and its often devastating aftermath
Huffington Post, 20.03.2012
The JOBS Act Is So Criminogenic That It Guarantees Full-Time Jobs for Criminologists
Sydney Morning Herald, 20.03.2012
New digital technology used like fingerprints to track child porn images
Nicky Phillips
Newswise Released, 21.03.2012
Dignity for All Students: Expert Offers Tips for Preventing Bullying
University of Rochester bullying expert Katy Allen offers her views on New York State's "Dignity for All Students Act," which takes effect this summer, and how schools and parents can help combat issues of social conflict, aggression, and drama—not just with The Dignity Act but in general—before they escalate and become serious bullying violations
PhysOrg.com, 21.03.2012
How young is too young for life in prison?
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments related to two separate murder cases in which 14-year-olds were sentenced to life without parole. The court will take up the constitutionality of such a sentence for juveniles. Northeastern University news office asked Mary O’Connell — a professor in Northeastern’s School of Law with expertise in youth and family law — to examine the impact of the court’s ultimate ruling and explain how juvenile cases are handled differently than adult cases.
Greg St.Martin
BankInfoSecurity.com, 21.03.2012
Tackling Organized Crime
New Mandates Demand Banks Enhance Fraud Detection, AML
Jeffrey Roman
Slate Magazine, 21.03.2012
Big Neighbor Is Watching
Do neighborhood watch programs actually work?
Brian Palmer
EurekAlert Public, 21.03.2012
Study: Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers
Researchers observe that certain processes of cognitive function can be enhanced by cortisol increases
New York Times, 23.03.2012
Shooting Focuses Attention on a Program That Seeks to Avoid Guns
CAMPBELL ROBERTSON and JOHN SCHWARTZ
Computerworld, 23.03.2012
'Hacktivists' steal more than 100M online records in 2011, says Verizon
More than half of all 2011 data thefts traced to 'hactivism,' Verizon finds in latest data breach study
Lucian Constantin
University of Warwick, 29.03.2012
Research finds bullies and victims three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts by age 11
Children involved in bullying – as both a victim and a bully – are three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts by the time they reach 11 years old, according to research from the University of Warwick.
